Retractable golf training apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for assisting in the training of various sporting pursuits, such as golf, is described. In some examples, the training apparatus is a retractable apparatus configured to attach to a ceiling of an indoor space in order to move a net into a suitable position via a rotatable support bar or other similar mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf is a game that for most people requires practice in order to play proficiently, much less well. For example, in a given round of golf, a golfer will utilize many different clubs, from drivers, to woods, to irons, to wedges, to putters, and so on, with each golf club being designed to enable a specific golf shot at a specific distance. Some clubs, like drivers and woods, are designed to hit a golf ball a long distance with accuracy, while others, like irons and wedges, are designed to hit a ball a short distance with even more accuracy. Thus, in order to achieve proficiency, a golfer should be able to effectively strike a golf ball with all the different clubs at his/her disposal.

The ability to correctly and accurately strike a golf ball with the many different golf clubs is generally acquired by a golfer after years of practice. However, it can be difficult for a golfer to sufficiently practice, as the time commitment and the cost involved with playing golf courses and going to driving ranges often prohibits or hinders the golfer from spending enough time practicing and bettering his/her game.

In order to remedy these problems, many devices and systems in the prior art have attempted to provide a golfer with a home-based golfing environment in which to practice. For example, a first reference, U.S. Pat. No. 4,523,760, entitled “Portable Golf Driving Net Assembly” to Bednardczuk, discloses a portable golf driving net assembly for use, for example, within a golfer's backyard. Although the assembly of Bednardczuk provides a net in which to hit golf balls in a home environment, it requires legs to be secured to the ground with stakes or staples, which may be burdensome to set up and/or take down, among other drawbacks.

Other devices have attempted to facilitate use of golf training apparatuses within indoor spaces. Turning to second and third references, U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,230, entitled “Booth for Practicing Golf Indoors” to Dunaway et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,056, entitled “Indoor Golf Practice Apparatus” to Schmutte, devices are disclosed that provide complicated and/or net deployment mechanisms.

For example, the Schmutte patent discloses a device that requires movement of a net from one side of the device to another without fully storing a net when the net is not in use, while the Dunaway patent discloses a movable practice booth that relies on hoisting cables to move a putting pan and walls into a usable position.

These devices, while providing an indoor practice environment, may not be easy to assemble or disassemble, and can be obstructive when not is use, as their disassembled or inactive positions still require the utilization of some of he space within the indoor space in which they provide the practice environment when in use, among other drawbacks.

A fourth reference, U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,112, entitled “Retractable Sports Net” to Betz, discloses a retractable net for indoor use. Although the assembly of Betz may be attached to a ceiling, it requires a mounting plate, a draw cord, and a base tray that gathers a net during retraction of the assembly to the ceiling.

Therefore, conventional golf training devices, such as net assemblies, simulators, and so on, suffer from various drawbacks with respect to assembly, disassembly, ease of use, effectiveness, and other problems.

While aforementioned training devices are generally suitable for a particular purpose, such devices are not sufficiently suitable for the purpose discussed in the present invention. Thus, it is clear that there exists a need in the art for a golf training device that overcomes these problems and progresses the state of the art, as well as one that provides the additional benefits enumerated in the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the art, in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for use as a golf trainer, such as a retractable golf training apparatus for use as a golf trainer within an indoor space, such as a garage, is described. In an active position, the retractable golf training apparatus provides a partial enclosure in which to receive, catch, block, restrain, or otherwise ensnare golf balls hit into the apparatus. In a storage position, the retractable golf training apparatus wraps around itself to form a compact configuration that does not impede the indoor space in which the golf training apparatus is used and stored.

In some examples of the present invention, the golf training apparatus includes a rotatable support bar that is mounted to a ceiling or other overhead structure within an indoor space, and a net attached to the rotatable support bar such that the net extends from the support bar to a floor in a first, active position, and wraps around the support in a second, closed position. The retractable golf training apparatus facilitates simple assembly and disassembly of the apparatus as well as simple mounting and dismounting of the apparatus, enabling the use or storage of the apparatus within a smaller indoor space, such as a garage, and/or use or storage of the apparatus within a variety of different spaces, while providing other inherent benefits.

In some examples, the golf training apparatus may include side sections that include side nets are pivotally attached to the support bar. That is, the side sections may be attached such that they align with the support bar during retraction of the apparatus from an active position to a storage position, enabling the side nets of the side sections to wrap around the support bar when the apparatus is in the storage position.

Also, it is contemplated by the present invention that the golf training apparatus may include other net sections that facilitate alternate use configurations. In some examples, the golf training apparatus includes a retractable top section. In some examples, the golf training apparatus includes a retractable bottom section, such as a playing surface section.

Further, it is contemplated by the present invention that the golf training apparatus may include or be part of a golf simulation system. In some examples, the golf simulation system includes a golf simulator, a video projection system, and/or the golf training apparatus.

Thus, there has been summarized and outlined, generally in broad form, a plurality of the most important features of the present invention. While this summary is presented so that the novelty of the present contribution to the related art may be better appreciated, it will further be apparent that additional features of the invention described hereinafter (which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto) will further define the scope, novelty, and in certain instances the improvements upon any existing art. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding of, and enabling description for, various examples of the technology. One skilled in the art will understand that the technology may be practiced without many of these details and it is to be readily understood that the invention presented herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the various figures integrated and categorized herein. For example, in some instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the examples of the technology. It is intended that the terminology used in the description presented below be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain examples of the technology. Although certain terms may be emphasized below, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure of the present invention may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other similar structures, methods and systems for carrying out the various purposes and objectives of the present invention. Thus, the claims as set forth shall allow for such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the present invention and the objectives other than those set forth above can be obtained by reference to the various embodiments set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying figures. Although the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, apparatus and method of use of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings, examples, and the following description. The examples and figures are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention. The detailed description makes reference to the accompanying figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retractable golf training apparatus.

FIGS. 2A-2D are schematic views of the retractable gold training apparatus in various positions.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the golf training apparatus having outward positioned side net sections.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the golf training apparatus having a movable top net section.

FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of the golf training apparatus having a movable base section.

FIGS. 6A-6B are perspective views of the training apparatus having a housing.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a wall mounted training apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a golf simulation system employing the golf training apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques of manufacture and resulting structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein, which define the scope of the present invention. The following presents a detailed description of several examples of the present invention.

Moreover, well known methods, procedures, and substances for both carrying out the objectives of the present invention and illustrating the preferred embodiment are incorporated herein but have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure novel aspects of the present invention.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The apparatus or device (“training apparatus”) described herein is a novel device configured to catch or stop a projectile, such as a golf ball, during training or a simulated games, among other things. The training apparatus is a retractable apparatus capable of moving into a first, retracted position when not is use (a “storage position”) and moving into a second, usable position when in use or otherwise desired (an “active position”) to assist during golf training and/or other similar exercises.

Turning to FIG. 1, provided is a perspective view of a golf training apparatus 100. The golf training apparatus 100 includes a center section 110, a left side section 120, and right side section 130. Each of the sections includes a support bar and a net. For example, the center section 110 includes a main or center support bar 114 and a center net 112 attached at one end to the main support bar 114, the left side section 120 includes a left side support bar 124 and a left side net 122 attached at one end to the left side support bar 124, and the right side section 130 includes a right side support bar 134 and a right side net 132 attached at one end to the right side support bar 134.

The nets 112, 122, 132 may be formed of a variety of high impact materials, such as nylon, polyethylene, and/or other synthetic materials, knotted materials, knotless materials, and/or other materials. The nets 112, 122, 132 may be configured into lengths that facilitate coverage from ceiling to floor, such as 8 feet, 9 feet, 10 feet, and/or other lengths. For example, the nets 112, 122, 132 may be sized such that they extend from the ceiling 105 to the floor and overlap the floor, which may assist in catching balls where the nets 112, 122, 132 meet the floor, among other things.

The left side section 120 and the right side section 130 are pivotally attached to the center section 110 by way of hinges 126 or other connection devices that facilitate a side section from moving away or towards the center section 110. For example, the left side support bar 124 may be attached to one end of the main support bar 114 via a hinge 126, and the right side support bar 134 may be attached to another end of the main support bar 114 via a hinge 126. During or before the apparatus is retracted, the side support bars 124, 134 may be positioned such that they are aligned with a longitudinal axis of the main support bar 114, and may be fixed in place via attachment mechanisms 152, such as clamps, straps, and so on.

The apparatus may be mounted or removably attached to a ceiling 105 or other overhead structure via support brackets 150. The support brackets 150 may be positioned in various locations along the apparatus, such as shown in the FIGURE, and may be configured or chosen to facilitate the removable attachment of the apparatus from the ceiling 105.

A motor 140, activated by a switch 142, may also be attached to the ceiling 105. The motor 140 is attached and/or coupled to the apparatus 100, via the main support bar 114, such that the motor is capable of rotating the main support bar 114 both clockwise and counterclockwise. The rotation facilitates movement of the golf training apparatus from a first, active position, where the nets 112, 122, 132 extend down from the support bars 114, 124, 134 to a floor, to a second, storage position, where the nets 112, 122, 132 wrap around the support bars 114, 124, 134. In some examples, devices other than a motor, such as cranks and levers, may cause the main support bar 114 to rotate. Further, devices other than a switch, such as a remote control, may initiate operation of the golf training apparatus 100.

In certain embodiments, including in the preferred embodiment, the golf training apparatus 100 provides an enclosure or partial enclosure in which to direct projectiles during training. For example, the center section 110 and side sections 120, 130 form a partially enclosed space in which a golfer may direct golf balls during a practice or training session. Utilizing support brackets 150, the golf training apparatus 100 may be mounted to an overhead support surface, such as a ceiling 105, of many different indoor spaces, such as garages, recreation rooms, basements, and so on.

As described herein, the golf training apparatus 100 is configured to easily retract and protract, depending on the needs of a user. FIGS. 2A-2D are schematic views of the retractable gold training apparatus in various positions.

FIG. 2A depicts the golf training apparatus 100 in a storage position 210. In the storage position 210, the nets 112, 122, 132 are wrapped around the main support bar 114 and side support bars 124, 134, which are positioned next to and aligned with the main support bar 114 to facilitate rotation of the apparatus 100.

Upon activation of the apparatus 100 via a switch 142, the motor causes the main support bar 114 to rotate in a clockwise direction (or, in a counterclockwise direction). FIG. 2B depicts the golf training apparatus in an intermediate position 220. During the rotation of the main support bar 114 caused by the motor 140, the nets 112, 122, 132 begin to extend from the main support bar 114 downwards towards the floor.

FIG. 2C depicts the golf training apparatus 100 in a fully extended position 230. The nets 112, 122, 132 are fully unwrapped and extend from the main support bar 114 to the floor.

Once the apparatus 100 is unwrapped, the side support sections may be positioned in order to form a partial enclosure in which to direct balls during a training exercise. FIG. 2D depicts the golf training apparatus 100 in an active and/or fully protracted position 240. The left side support bar 124 is pivoted away from the main support bar 114 to form a left side wall, and the right side support bar 134 is pivoted away from the main support bar 114 to form a right side wall.

Thus, once the side support bars 124, 134 are in place, the golf training apparatus 100 is configured into its active position 240, where the center net 112, the left side net 122, and the right side net 132 form a partial enclosure in which a user may direct golf balls and other balls during training and simulation exercises.

In alternative embodiments, the golf training apparatus 100 may collapse the side sections 120, 130 in different ways. Turning to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the golf training apparatus 300 having outward positioned side net sections 120, 130 is shown.

In preparation of rotation from an active position to a storage position, the golf training apparatus 300 may include hinges 310 that facilitate movement of side support bars 124, 134 outwardly from the main support bar 114. For example, the left side support bar 124 moves outwardly from an open position to a rotation position, which is shown in the FIGURE. Similarly, the right side support bar 134 moves outwardly from an open position to a rotation position. Because the right side support bar 134 is on the same side of the motor 140, the right side support bar 134 may be formed such that it does not impede rotation of the main support bar 114 when in the rotation position shown in the FIGURE. For example, the right side support bar 134 may be hollow or partially hollow, enabling the right side support bar 134 to rotate without impeding the motor 140 or the main support bar 114 during rotation of the golf training apparatus 100.

Thus, in certain embodiments, the golf training apparatus 100, as described herein, may collapse various sections, such as side sections 120, 130, into different configurations that facilitate rotation of the main support bar 114 and the wrapping and/or unwrapping of the attached nets 112, 122, 132 of the apparatus 100. In addition to the configurations depicted in the FIGURES, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the golf training apparatus 100 may employ other configurations of the support bars during rotation of the apparatus 100, as long as the configurations enable the wrapping and/or unwrapping of attached nets during the rotation.

Other Training Apparatus Configurations

In alternative embodiments, the training apparatus 100 described herein may be configured to facilitate the catching and/or blocking of various projectiles, such as balls used in sports, among other things. Turning to FIG. 4, a perspective view of a training apparatus 400 having an additional top net section 410 is shown.

In addition to supporting side nets 122, 132, the side support bars 124, 134 may also support and assist in forming a top net section 410. That is, when the side support sections are opened to form an active configuration of the golf training apparatus 400, the side support bars 124, 134 assist in forming the top net section 410. Furthermore, when retracted and in a rotation position, the retracted side support bars 124, 134 may also facilitate the top net section to wrap around the main support bar 114 during rotation of the apparatus 100 to a storage position.

Thus, the training apparatus 400 may include, in addition to a center section 110, a left side section 120, and a right side section 130, a top section 410, which may provide a more secure and/or enclosed catching space without adding complexity to the apparatus, among other benefits. Although the other configurations 100, 300 of the training apparatus are suitable for various different uses and sports, the enhanced catching space of the training apparatus 400 may enable the training apparatus 400 to be especially suitable for other sports and uses, such as sports where a ball is often kicked, thrown, or struck in vertical or partially vertical directions, among other things.

In alternative embodiments, the training apparatus may include a bottom or base portion, such as an integrated training surface. Turning to FIG. 5A, a perspective view of a training apparatus 500 having a base section 510 is shown.

The training apparatus 500 includes a base section 510 with optional base section components 520, such as a ball striking area, as well as base section securement devices 525. When the training apparatus 500 is in an active position, as shown in the FIGURE, the base section may be laid down perpendicularly to the nets 112, 122, 132, and may be attached to the center net 112, or unattached. Thus, a user may stand on a surface 530 of the base section 510 during use of the training apparatus 500.

The surface 530 of the base section 510 may be formed of materials that simulate an actual playing surface, such as artificial turf, field turf, and so on. The surface 530 may include various base section components 520 that facilitate different training exercises and/or facilitate the connection of other training components. For example, the base section component 520 may be or may facilitate connection of a tee box, small sand trap, or various different textured surfaces for when the training apparatus 500 is a golf training apparatus, may facilitate connection of a batting tee for when the training apparatus is a baseball training apparatus, may be a raised area for when the training apparatus is a kick training apparatus, and so on.

Before and during rotation of the training apparatus 500, the base section 510 may be moved into a position that is parallel to the center section 110, with the securement devices 525 acting to secure the base section in position during rotation of the training apparatus 500. The securement devices 525 may be a variety of different attachment devices, such as hooks, straps, fasteners, and so on.

In certain embodiments, the training apparatus may retract into a wrapped position, and vice versa, without the reliance on attachment devices to attach the base section 510 to the apparatus.

FIG. 5B depicts a first position 540 of a retractable training apparatus. The training apparatus retracts upwards, with the base section 510 attached to and hanging below the center net 112. That is, once the center net 112 wraps around the main support bar 114, the base section 510 will wrap around the center net 112 and the main support bar 114. FIG. 5C depicts such a position 550, where the center net 112 is fully retracted and wrapped around the main support bar 114, and the base section 510 is partially wrapped and in the process of wrapping around the center net 112 and the main support bar 114.

Thus, the training apparatus 500 may include a base section or other similar section that provides a playing surface for a user of the apparatus while maintaining a simple configuration in which to store the apparatus when not in use, among other benefits.

Other Mounting Configurations

In addition to mounting or attaching the training apparatus to a ceiling, such as via brackets 150, in certain embodiments, the training apparatus may be mounted in a variety of manners, such as within a housing, to a wall or other upright structure, and so on.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict a training apparatus 600 attached or mounted within a housing, such as a decorative structure. A housing 610 may be attached to a wall 620 in an indoor space, such as a recreation room, living room, office, and so on. The housing 610 may be configured to hide or obscure the inner machinations of the training apparatus 600, such as the main support bar 114, motor 140, and so on. When assembled, such as in the position shown in FIG. 6A, the nets, such as the center net 112, may hang below the housing 610 to facilitate use of the apparatus.

When in a fully retracted position 630, as depicted in FIG. 6C, the training apparatus 600 is hidden from view within the housing 610. Because it retracts out of view and into the housing 610, the training apparatus 600 may be integrated into a living space, such as a space having various decor 625 surrounding the housing 610. Thus, the training apparatus 600 may be integrated into living spaces without detracting from their normal, living appearance.

In addition to overhead configurations, such as those described herein, in certain embodiments, the training apparatus may be mounted to a wall or other upright structures. FIG. 7 depicts a training apparatus 700 mounted to a wall 710 of an indoor space.

In order to facilitate attachment, such as removable attachment, the training apparatus 700 may include or be coupled to a mounting bracket 720, which may provide an electrical coupling to a switch 725 to facilitate the operation of the training apparatus 700.

Thus, what is contemplated is a training apparatus capable of being mounted or attached to an indoor space, such as to a ceiling, to a wall, within a housing, and so on, and/or a training apparatus capable of being removably mounted or attached to the indoor space to facilitate an easy dismounting of the training apparatus from one space and mounting into a variety of other spaces.

Integration with Simulation Systems

In addition to alternative configurations that facilitate integrated training and/or playing surfaces, the training apparatus described herein may be integrated with simulation systems, such as golf simulators. Turning to FIG. 8, a golf simulation system 800 employing a golf training apparatus is shown.

The golf simulation system 800 includes a golf simulator 810, which may include one or more sensors 815 that detect, measure, and/or capture information associated with movement of a golf club 817 during a swing of the golf club 817 by a golfer 819. The golf simulator 810 transmits the captured information to a display component 820, such as a projector and associated computing device. The display component 820 projects a simulated shot on a surface 805 of a center net 112 of the golf training apparatus 100.

The surface of the center net 112 (or, in some cases, other nets not shown in the FIGURE), may be formed of materials that facilitate the display of images, such as flexible vinyl materials and other synthetic materials. In some examples, the golf training apparatus may include a net 112 that is formed of one or more materials capable of withstanding the impact of projectiles as well as capable of displaying an image associated with a simulation.

Thus, the golf training apparatus 100 may be configured for use with golf simulators by providing a partial enclosure suited to catching golf balls and suited to display images from a simulator. In addition to golf simulators, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a training apparatus may be configured and/or adapted for use with other sport simulators, such as baseball simulators, soccer simulators, hockey simulators, tennis simulators, and so on.

While certain aspects of the golf training apparatus are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the system in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the system. 

1. A golf training apparatus, comprising: a center net section having: a center support bar configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis; and a center net that is attached to the center support bar at a first end and is configured to wrap around the center support bar when the center support bar rotates in a first direction and is configured to unwrap from the center support bar when the center support bar rotates in a second, opposite direction; and two side net sections, each of the two side net portions having: a side support bar pivotally attached to one end of the center support bar; and a side net that is attached to the side support bar at a first end and is configured to wrap around the side support bar when the side support bar moves in a first direction and is configured to unwrap from the side support bar when the side support bar moves in a second, opposite direction.
 2. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a rotation mechanism connected to the center support bar, wherein the rotation mechanism is configured to cause the center support bar to rotate in the first direction in order to retract the golf training apparatus and is configured to cause the center support bar to rotate in the second direction in order to protract the golf training apparatus.
 3. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the side support bars are pivotally attached to the center support bar via hinges that facilitate the side support bars to move inwardly towards the center support bar such that the side support bars are positioned proximate and parallel to the center support bar when the center support bar is rotating.
 4. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the side support bars are pivotally attached to the center support bar via hinges that facilitate the side support bars to move outwardly from the center support bar such that the side support bars are positioned along the longitudinal axis of the center support bar when the center support bar is rotating.
 5. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a top net attached to the side support bars such that a top net section is formed when the side support bars are positioned away from the center support bar.
 6. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a base section that includes a playing surface and securement devices that secure the base section in a configuration parallel to the center net when the center support bar is rotating.
 7. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the center support bar is configured to be attached to a ceiling of an indoor space.
 8. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the center net is formed of nylon.
 9. The golf training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the center is formed of a material suitable to display images from a golf simulator.
 10. A golf training system, comprising: a retractable net having: a rotatable support bar configured to be connected to a ceiling of an inside space; and a net attached to the support bar; and a rotation component configured to cause the support bar to rotate in order to extend the net from the support bar to a floor of the inside space.
 11. The golf training system of claim 10, further comprising: a golf simulator configured to track movement of a golf club swung by a user associated with the golf training system and project a simulation based on the tracked movement onto the retractable net.
 12. The golf training system of claim 10, further comprising: a side retractable net having: a side support bar configured to be pivotally connected to rotatable support bar; and a side net attached to the side support bar.
 13. The golf training system of claim 10, wherein the rotation component is a motor configured to rotate the rotatable support bar.
 14. The golf training system of claim 10, wherein the rotation component is a motor configured to rotate the rotatable support bar.
 15. The golf training system of claim 10, wherein the net is formed of nylon and is longer than a length between the ceiling and floor of the inside space.
 16. A ball catching apparatus, comprising: a support bar removably attached to a structure of an inside space; and a net attached to the support bar at a first end of the net; wherein the support bar is configured to rotate such that the net wraps around the support bar in a first position of the ball catching apparatus and extends away from the support bar in a second position of the ball catching apparatus.
 17. The ball catching apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a left side support bar pivotally attached to the support bar; a left side net attached to the left side support bar at a first end of the left side net; a right side support bar pivotally attached to the support bar; and a right side net attached to the right side support bar at a first end of the right side net.
 18. The ball catching apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a motor coupled to the support bar and configured to rotate the support bar in a clockwise direction and in a counterclockwise direction.
 19. The ball catching apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a mechanical crank coupled to the support bar and configured to rotate the support bar in a clockwise direction and in a counterclockwise direction.
 20. The ball catching apparatus of claim 16, wherein the structure of the inside space is a ceiling of the inside space.
 21. The ball catching apparatus of claim 16, wherein the structure of the inside space is a wall of the inside space.
 22. The ball catching apparatus of claim 16, wherein the structure of the inside space is a housing within the inside space. 